Young professionals | Shaping the future


Across the hydro industry, there is increasing recognition that the future belongs to those preparing for it today. Here, IWP&DC looks at the vital


role young professionals are playing now – and the even more significant part they will have in shaping the future of the sector


HAMANTH KASAN IS THE PRESIDENT of the International Water Association (IWA). One of the most energising aspects of this role for him, he says, is engaging with the Young Water Professionals (YWPs). A worldwide initiative of the IWA, Young Water


Professionals aims to build attractive career perspectives for future leaders in the water sector. Organised in national chapters and regional committees, YWPs between 18 and 35 can join networks, engage in capacity building, and build their profiles. “The sheer enthusiasm, innovation and drive they


bring to the association is not only inspiring, but also fundamental to IWA and our society’s future,” he says. Over the past few years, IWA has witnessed “a surge of young professionals eager to shape the future of water”. The association now has more than 50 active YWP Country organisations worldwide – from China to South Africa, Brazil to the UK, and newer ones in Ireland, Mali and Burkina Faso. “It’s hard not to be inspired by the level of commitment our YWPs demonstrate. Whether organising national conferences, hosting technical workshops, participating in global dialogues or designing community-led initiatives, these young leaders are redefining what it means to be a water professional today,” Kasan adds. “When empowered, YWPs don’t just participate – they lead, create and solve.” The IWA views the YWP community as a strategic asset


Young professionals can bring energy and new ways of seeing things


integral to its success and is committed to ensuring it remains front and centre of its journey “We cannot talk about the future of water without the voices, ideas and leadership of young professionals at the table,” Kasan said. “This means not only recognising their contributions, but also actively creating the platforms, opportunities and support systems they need to thrive. The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”


Injecting fresh talent Pairing experience with new talent is a strategy for


success, according to Dr. Jiri Koutnik, Chief Engineer at Voith Hydro. Koutnik plays a key role in the company’s R&D constellations – multidisciplinary teams comprised of seasoned experts, young professionals and recent graduates. Here, senior specialists use their extensive real-world experience to deliver quick assessments, while younger colleagues support with digital knowledge and fresh ideas. “Only the calibration of both directions can ensure an efficient and result-oriented approach,” Koutnik explains, describing why his company diversifies its teams in this way. Mixing experience and new talent not only maximises individual potential, but also that of the entire constellation, the project and industry progress at large. “Young professionals bring energy and new ways of seeing things. Even some naivety can be positive,” says Emilie Lavoie from Voith Hydro. And at a time when the industry is undergoing transformation, fresh talent familiar with the latest technological, digital and analytical developments, can be advantageous to the R&D team. To help it keep its technological edge, Voith keeps an


eye on the capabilities and focus of various universities across Europe and internationally, striving for mutual collaboration. And it’s this injection of fresh talent that helps to bring new approaches and ways of thinking into the company. It allows experienced Voith employees to increase and develop their knowledge of new and modern methods, such as data analytics or probabilistic approaches to understanding phenomena observed at power plants. It can also help support the transformation into the digital era. Where young professionals bring enthusiasm and digital awareness, seasoned specialists offer real-world project experience and a comprehensive understanding


18 | June 2026 | www.waterpowermagazine.com


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